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Grasp at Straws

Making a futile effort at something, trying to find a way in trouble when it is unlikely to succeed

Etymology:

  • This phrase was made by ancient people with a thought that refers to a drowning man, who finding no way out to survive grasped small hollow straws which were grown on the bank of the river in an effort and hope to save his life. The expression became much popular in 17th century to describe depending on useless thing to come out of trouble or in state of danger.
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Richard was just grasping at the straws as he could not answer any question in the class test.

Submitted on February 25, 2019

Additional definitions for 'Grasp at Straws':

grasp at strawsTo guess randomly at or pursue any apparent option, as due to lack of options or information.
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